Following recent unrest in several UK cities, British High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr. Richard Montgomery has assured the large Nigerian diaspora in the UK of their safety and security.
The British High Commissioner gave this assurance to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), during a meeting in Abuja.
The riots, sparked by the death of three young school girls in a knife attack, were fueled by misinformation that the suspected attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist, leading to protests being co-opted by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups.
According to a statement from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Wednesday, Montgomery reported that 12 British towns were affected by the disorder.
The envoy reported that over 400 people have been arrested in connection with the disorder, and 60 special courts, including UK police and legal operatives, have been established to address the situation.
Montgomery also stated that the United Kingdom is home to people of different countries and races and will remain liberal to qualified persons who wish to live, study, and work in the UK.
He also emphasized that the UK will pursue justice against those who incite these acts through hatred and disinformation online.
According to the High Commissioner, “We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”
Dr. Montgomery also reported that approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications were successful this year, and advised applicants to apply directly and be cautious of using agents.
The NIDCOM boss confirmed that no Nigerians have been affected by the disorder and that communications with the Nigerian High Commission and diaspora groups have reported no casualties.
Dabiri-Erewa also reminded Nigerians of the UK travel advisory and urged compatriots in the diaspora to stay safe.
